After hitting a ton, ISRO chairman sets sights on 100 more missions in the next 5 years

In what could be described as a milestone mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) hit the big 100 on Wednesday, January 29, with its landmark launch of the NVS-02 satellite. But just like any space agency with big dreams, ISRO is already looking ahead to the next century – and they plan to hit it in just five years.

From its humble beginnings in 1979 with the SLV, ISRO’s journey has been nothing short of stellar. With the PSLV as its trusty rocket companion, the agency has soared through 62 missions, making it the undisputed workhorse of the fleet. As ISRO’s most reliable vehicle, the PSLV has proven its worth over the years by delivering payloads to low Earth orbit (LEO), Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO), and even further, like those launched into the IRNSS constellation.

???? A view like no other! Watch onboard footage from GSLV-F15 during the launch of NVS-02.

India’s space programme continues to inspire! ???? #GSLV #Navic #ISRO pic.twitter.com/KrrO3xiH1s

— ISRO (@isro) January 29, 2025

Despite encountering some challenges early on, such as the GSLV’s initial technical setbacks, ISRO has successfully refined its processes. The GSLV’s evolution, marked by the flawless execution of last year’s INSAT-3DS mission, demonstrates how even the most unpredictable rockets can mature into reliable assets.
At the helm of ISRO’s 100th mission, Chairman V Narayanan showed no signs of slowing down. When asked if another 100 missions in five years was feasible, his response was as confident as one would expect from a space agency with a history of defying expectations: “It is possible.”

The big milestone

The NVS-02 satellite, launched via the GSLV-F15, will play a crucial role in strengthening India’s navigation capabilities — think precision agriculture, maritime navigation, and even IoT (Internet of Things) applications. The 100th mission also marked the second of the NavIC constellation’s second-generation satellites, and given how quickly things are moving, we wouldn’t be surprised if the next big launch is right around the corner.

The Sriharikota spaceport, known for its twin launch pads, has seen plenty of action since the first PSLV/IRS-P1 mission in September 1993. Fast forward to today (January 29), and it’s clear that ISRO’s aspirations have expanded beyond Earth-bound missions. With the commercial space race heating up, ISRO is now taking on foreign clients, proving that it’s no longer just a local player in the cosmic game.

To add even more fuel to the fire, Narayanan highlighted future plans, including the NASA-ISRO joint NISAR mission, which is slated for launch in a few months. With other projects like the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) and the ambitious Gaganyaan mission on the horizon, ISRO has no plans of slowing down.

As if the achievement needed more applause, chief ministers from Madhya Pradesh and Telangana sent their congratulations. Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav noted that the NVS-02 satellite would significantly enhance the country’s navigation services, while Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy added that it was a proud moment for the nation, calling it a “remarkable advancement in indigenous technology.”